Writers get their inspiration by things they’ve experienced and seen, much more so when travel writing serves as their bread and butter. Whether they’re faced with writer’s block, an impending sense of ennui, or even just the threat of an overhanging deadline, sometimes all they need is a change of scenery, a change of pace, or even just the thought of a brand new adventure to look forward to at the end of a freelance writing job. Traveling is one of the best ways to reward oneself while getting the job done, as well as a means of enriching one’s spirit and widening one’s perspective.
Europe, in particular, is a continent steeped in history and culture, its countries proud of their unique personality, flavor and approach to life. Any freelance writer is sure to find the perfect balm to whatever ails them words-wise in one of Europe’s esteemed countries. Here are some of the best European locations to visit if you’re a travel writer.
Rome, Italy
Rome is rich in ancient history, spectacular architecture and amazing food, as well as being the home to many famous works of art. The quickest way to nip about Rome while you’re there is via a scooter-for-hire — plus points if you make it a Vespa. Rome’s most popular sights to see are The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and The Vatican Museum, along with the world-famous Sistine Chapel. After all the sightseeing you will definitely need to refuel, so park your scooter near St. Peter’s square to enjoy the world’s best pizza and gelato. At the end of the day, take a break, enjoy a fine glass of vino, and get to writing. Rome is one beautiful city to fall in love in, so go ahead and fall under its spell of romance.
Rome’s most popular sights to see are The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and The Vatican Museum, along with the world-famous Sistine Chapel. After all the sightseeing you will definitely need to refuel, so park your scooter near St. Peter’s square to enjoy the world’s best pizza and gelato. At the end of the day, take a break, enjoy a fine glass of vino, and get to writing. Rome is one beautiful city to fall in love in, so go ahead and fall under its spell of romance.
Also, bear in mind to have your travel requirement handy: a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your departure date, two passport pages free for the stamp. Do not bring an equivalent of 10,000 Euros or more for entry and exit of the country. If you intend to stay for more than 90 days, a tourist visa will be needed.
Rhodes Town, Greece
Rhodes Town in Greece should be on your list to visit and to write about. Old Town in Rhodes is made up of Roman ruins, medieval castles and a maze of ancient streets just waiting for you to photograph and get lost in. When exploring Old Rhodes Town you’ll find boutique shops and quaint little bakeries that are filled with traditional Greek pastries, a perfect haunt for the foodie writer. Lindos itself is a small town that is part of Rhodes Town. If you’re a freelance adventure writer make sure you get a donkey ride around the whole town of Lindos to see the views it has to offer in style.
Travel requirements? You can bring as much pocket money as you’d like, but don’t bring out an equivalent of 10,000 Euros for exit. As with Italy, it’s best to have a tourist visa if you intend to stay for more than 90 days. However, you just need your passport to be valid for at least three months before your planned date of departure, and one free page for the stamp. Before you go exploring and walking about town, be sure to already have your EIHC handy in case of untoward incidents and unforeseen accidents.
The EIHC card is a handy little thing to have when you travel abroad in Europe. It allows anyone insured or covered by a social security scheme in the European Economic Area countries and Switzerland to receive treatment free or at a discounted cost. The card comes free of cost, and it’s a wise move to get yourself as you plan your trip.
Berlin, Germany
Even before the fall of the Berlin Wall, many flocked to Germany’s capital to see a city awash with culture, all made richer by the history surrounding it. Most of the Berlin Wall was knocked down in 1989 but along the southern border you can still view a section of the Wall between East and West Berlin. This city has so much history. One way to soak in that culture is to spend a day on Museum Island, home to Berlin’s five most important museums. This makes Berlin a must-see for the history buff and freelance travel writer. The remains of the wall and the art surrounding the events that have helped shape Berlin to be the city it is today are ideal subjects for photographers, too. As well as museums, Berlin also has the Berlin Film Festival which is an unmissable event for film fans.
Germany’s travel requirements are pretty similar to to those of Italy’s, though your passport just needs to be valid for at least three months after your planned date of departure, and requires one free page for the entry stamp.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a city proving to be a new firm favorite with travelers. Budapest is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. While in Budapest, be sure to check out the city’s new trend of ruin bars. Having a drink in one of Budapest’s many ruin bars will definitely spark some inspiration if you’re a travel writer, and their signature recipes and drinks will make any foodie writer all a-quiver with excitement. What’s more inspirational than drinking in a run-down building where the furniture has been picked off the street and reinvented by local artists?
Hungary falls in line with the above-mentioned countries’ travel requirements – 3 month’s passport validity beyond your planned date of departure, one free page for the entry stamp, and so on.
London, England
When there’s writing involved you can’t overlook London – the city is not only the setting for many of the literary greats, it’s also the birthplace of so many classic writers. Each year, more and more people pour into London to tour the history and culture, from the Natural History Museum to the Tate Modern.
If the grand architecture and the storied locations don’t quite catch your fancy, the street artists and performers on Covent Garden will surely pique human interest, and have interesting stories to tell about their chosen profession. Covent Garden is a very popular part of London where you can fill your time with amusements from the street performers to the arts and craft Apple market. Hop on the tube to Kensington Gardens afterward to see the much adored Peter Pan statue.
England is perhaps the most relaxed when it comes to travellers’ requirements. Your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay, just one free page for the entry stamp, and absolutely no currency restrictions.
Image credits: Unsplash and Evening in Freistadt via photopin
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